One NBA writer believes Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic could be the next star to request a trade. The Mavericks missed the play-in tournament last season after making the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and Doncic said, “Something’s got to change for sure” during his end-of-the-season press conference.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report thinks the Mavericks are in a “tough spot” moving forward. Even though Dallas re-signed Kyrie Irving and traded for Grant Williams this summer, the team may not be ready to compete for a title.
“What is Dallas’ plan to enter the championship conversation? The Mavs went 5-11 when Dončić and Irving played together last season, so counting on them alone to figure this out is asking a lot,” Buckley wrote. “Can they afford to wait on the growth of Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, or will they trade what little youth they have for established talent?
“Dallas is in a tough spot, which is where no team with a megastar of Dončić’s ilk should ever wind up. The Mavs have rarely resembled a championship contender during his five-year tenure—they have as many series wins as lottery trips (two apiece)—and if he can’t see their vision coming together, he may soon want out of it entirely.”
Doncic signed a five-year, $215.2 million designated rookie contract extension with the Mavericks in August 2021. The 2018-19 Rookie of the Year averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists last season while shooting 49.6% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc, and 74.2% from the free-throw line. Doncic recorded 36 double-doubles and 10 triple-doubles.
The Mavericks were only 5-11 in games Doncic and Irving played together last season. That was the worst winning percentage (.313) for a pair of teammates who were both All-Stars since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976-77, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
If Dallas doesn’t compete for a championship next season, rumors about Doncic wanting out could heat up.
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